The Life of King Richard III – Animated

I don’t really want to sit on the fence when it comes to King Richard III, but at the risk of alienating some readers, perhaps I better had (as long as it's not near a car park, I guess).  Richard III has always divided opinion – as you will see in this great animated short – and it is fair enough to say that he has been maligned, historically, particularly by Shakespeare.  Yet he also had some pretty villainous moments. Rex Factor: The Animated Show is a bold and brilliant leap from podcast to screen, bringing the fascinating - and often tumultuous - life of King Richard III to animated life. Based on the internationally successful history podcast Rex Factor, the show delivers a hilarious and historically rich romp through the life of one of England’s most controversial monarchs.

Presented by the podcast’s much-loved hosts Graham Duke and Ali Hood, the animated series follows their unique format of rating monarchs based on five delightfully subjective categories: Battleyness, (yes, really) Scandal, Subjectivity, Longevity, and Dynasty. King Richard III faces their irreverent scrutiny as they examine his rise, reign, and ruin, all while debating whether he has what it takes to earn the ultimate accolade: the coveted Rex Factor crown.

Produced by Tinmouse Animation, the series blends slick visuals with comic flair, staying true to the charm and wit that made the original podcast a hit with history buffs and casual listeners alike. Whether you know Richard III as Shakespeare’s villain, the last Plantagenet king, or the skeleton under the Leicester car park, Rex Factor: The Animated Show offers a fresh and funny take that’s as informative as it is entertaining.

Perfect for fans of history, comedy, or quirky British storytelling, this animated outing proves that Richard III’s legacy, however divisive, still makes for riveting entertainment.  Watch it below.